History

The Order of St. John, formerly known of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, was constituted by Queen Victoria by Royal Charter on May 14, 1888. Membership of the Order is open to suitable candidates of any Christian faith who demonstrate the tenants of the Order by acting to prevent and relieve sickness and injury as well as to enhance the wealth and well-being of people anywhere in the world. The Order is conferred in 5 grades. Members are most often admitted at lower grades and later promoted to higher grades in recognition of dutiful service and good deads. Membership of the Order is also limited to 35 000 members. There may be additional grades associated with the Order.

For all members of the Order, when the ribbon is worn alone a small silver Maltese cross is worn on the ribbon.

Membership in the Bailiff/ Dame Grand Cross is reserved for members of the grand council and has a contingent of 21. Royalty and other foreign heads of state may also be admitted into the Grand Cross, but do not count towards the maximum contingent.

Members of the Bailiff/ Dame Grand Cross are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "GCStJ" within the organization.

There are multiple versions of the Grand Cross Breast Star which vary by composition. There may be additional versions that are not featured here.